Save or Splurge?

 Dance (in this case, ballet) can be an expensive activity.  As you rise to higher levels, there are numerous expenses required to maintain training and equipment.  Some shortcuts exist to save money on your hobby.  Some of these deals work out well in the long run, and others are not worth it.  In this guide, I'll present some opportunities to save and splurge on your dance-related purchases, and I'll provide my experience-based opinions on when it's better to save or splurge in different situations.

1.       Leotards:  fancy style or basic camisole

Fancy fashion leotards featuring mesh, lace,  and strappy designs often cost $40 or more for adult sizes.  Basic camisoles usually come in around $20.  

If your dress code allows you to wear any style you like, it's tempting to fill your wardrobe with tons of fancy styles.  It can be nice to wear something different than the other students in your class; it's an easy way to stand out without being to "out there."  Looking great for class is an easy way to boost confidence.  There's nothing wrong with having a few pretty leotards, but they can be a drain on your wallet, especially if you dance every day and need a lot of dancewear.   Some fancy elements (especially lace) are extremely difficult to wash and are prone to tearing or disintegrating.  This, coupled with the fact that fashion trends often come and go quickly, means that your fancy styles don't tend to last as long as plainer ones. 

Basic camisole leotards from high quality brands like Bloch are usually well made and sturdy.  They may not be the most gorgeous styles, but they are universally flattering and versatile.  Most cami styles made of cotton or nylon wash easily, and they can last several years without wearing out. 

I recommend stocking your dancewear wardrobe with basic camisole leotards.  It's great to have one or two fancy ones in your closet for occasions like auditions, but you just don't need one every day.  Save money by purchasing basics yourself and asking for fancy leotards for occasions like birthdays. 

2.       Tights: mesh backseam tights or economy convertible tights

Mesh backseam convertible tights generally cost $17 or more.  Economy convertible tights can cost as little as $5 and usually cap around $10.

Dancers can go through a lot of tights.  Everything from the velcro on your jacket to your fingernails to your washing machine can cause them to tear and run.  It's rare for a pair to last a full year, regardless of style.

Mesh backseam convertible tights are made of knit nylon material that is soft, but shows an obvious woven texture.  This material does run and tear, but the weave makes for stronger fabric that doesn't pull quite as easily.  It is also possible to sew up tears in mesh tights with general ease. 

Economy convertible tights are usually made of very thin silky fabric that catches on any sharp or prickly surface and tears easily.  These tights can be super comfy, but most brands' economy tights don't hold up to multiple classes.  Once the fabric runs, the tears tend to spread.  They can be sealed with nail polish, but this makes a prickly spot on the fabric. 

Even though mesh backseam convertible tights can cost over 3 times more economy tights, they are the much better choice.  Dancers who are careful with their tights can have a pair of mesh backseam convertible tights for a full 9-month dance season before they wear out, while economy tights rarely last more than a few weeks.  I recommend shelling out the cash and getting a few nice pairs of mesh backseam tights.  It will save money in the long run.  Prolong the life of your tights by keeping them away from things like zippers and velcro, never putting them in the dryer, and promptly stitching up any runs.

3.       Pointe: pointe shoes or pointe shoe glue

New pointe shoes run around $75 a pair.  A bottle of pointe shoe glue is $7-15.

Advanced dancers can wear out pointe shoes very quickly.  It can seem like you just sewed a new pair, and now they're on the squishy side.  Going right to a new pair gives you a chance to start fresh.  This is great if you broke in your last pair a little funny.  New shoes usually feel super supportive and can improve balance.

Gluing your shoes re-hardens the shank and box without changing the shape.  If your shoes are broken in, they will retain their "broken in" shape even when hardened with glue.  Shoes can last about 4 hours longer after they are glued, so depending on how often you do pointe, this can make your shoes last up to a month longer. 

I always glue my worn pointe shoes before starting to wear a new pair.  During heavy-use seasons like Nutcracker, gluing my shoes can half the number of pairs of shoes I purchase.  I recommend experienced dancers turn to pointe shoe glue before breaking in a new pair. 

If you are beginner (on your first or second pair of shoes), you don't like the way your shoes broke in, or you need to change size or style of shoes, it's better to get a new pair.  You should always ask your teacher if you are not sure if you should glue your shoes. 

4.       Ribbon/Elastic: buy it new or re-use

Ribbon and elastic can cost as much as $9 for the amount needed to sew one pair of pointe shoes.

Pointe shoes are expensive on their own, and ribbon and elastic add extra expenses.  There is no way to go without ribbon and elastic, but some dancers try to save money by re-using old ribbon and elastic when they sew new pointe shoes. 

New ribbon and elastic are usually clean and smooth.  When sewn onto new pointe shoes, this creates a super sleek look, which is optimal for the stage.  The pieces must be cut to length and sewn onto the pointe shoes.  This gives the dancer a lot of control to help create a custom fit. 

If you re-use your ribbons, it's important to use a seam ripper to remove them from  your old shoes.  Don't just cut the pieces off with scissors, this will result in pieces that are too short.  If you feel like you need to adjust the length of your ribbons and elastics, you can only cut them shorter.  You cannot make them looser if you are re-using.  Sometimes re-used ribbons can look dingy compared to fresh new shoes.  This usually isn't a big deal for class, but it can be for shows and auditions. 

I like to re-use my ribbons one or two times before throwing them out.  They usually begin to look bedraggled after being used for two or three pairs of shoes.  If you can be careful with your ribbons and elastics, remove them properly, and are ok with them being slightly dirty, then re-using them is a great way to save money.  Think of it like this:  for every (about) 9 sets of ribbon and elastic you re-use, you have saved the price of one pair of pointe shoes.  It may take a year or more to save that many, but every little bit counts when you are putting money away for pointes.  For shows and auditions, go ahead and put fresh ribbons and elastics on your shoes.  It creates a sleeker line if everything is clean.

5.       Summer Intensive: travel or stay local

Summer intensives associated with large professional schools generally run about $1,000 a week for 6+ hours of daily class and activities, plus travel, audition fees, and room and board.  Local programs associated with dance studios or small companies run in the $300-$500 a week range for 4-6 hours of daily training (no room and board, and limited travel and audition expenses).

It can be a tough choice whether or not to travel for your summer training.  Every dancer's training needs are different, and careful consideration with your parents and teachers will help you make the best choice.

If you attend a large pre-professional program such as the SAB course in New York City or programs with Joffrey, PNB, CPYB, or another big-name program, you will have tons of amazing experiences.  However, it will cost a lot of money and take up a lot of your summer.  You will have to travel to the course's location and live in a dormitory for the duration of the program (unless you already live nearby).  If you are looking to attend a pre-professional ballet school full time, this is a great experience to get you ready.  It will also help you get "seen" by program directors who have a hand in placing you in year round programs or hiring you into companies. 

Local summer programs usually take place at dance studios, and classes are taught by a combination of regular studio staff and travelling professional  dancers (many from big name companies).  These programs are great if you are looking to improve your technique, but aren't set on attending a dance school full time.  Depending on the program, you can get almost as much training as you would at a big name intensive, but without the specific pre-professional elements.  You will also save a lot of money on travel expenses if you choose a local intensive.  If you don't have to travel, you will have more time to participate in other activities. 

If you are looking to attend a dance school for the rest of your high school years and immediately enter into a career as a professional dancer, it may be most beneficial to you to attend a big name summer course.  The investment may make your career.  I recommend this option to dancers ages 14 and up with serious professional ambitions.

If you are not looking to attend a dance school full time, or if you are under 13, it may be more beneficial to you to save money and attend a local program.  You will still get good training, and you will have time to explore other interests if you wish.  I recommend this option to advanced recreational dancers and dancers yet to reach high school.

If money is the main obstacle keeping you from attending an intensive outside your area, try to attend local programs.  If you have professional aspirations, put aside the money you are saving on your summer intensives for an audition tour post-graduation. 

6.       Supplemental Training: private lessons or DIY.

Private lessons can cost anywhere from $25 to $100+ per hour.  You can practice alone for free at home or for the price of studio rental ($20-$50 per hour for a small studio, depending on location).

Supplemental training is important for serious dance students.  Private lessons and extra practice can help you improve if you are behind for your age or need to work on certain  skills. 

Private lessons are great if you need to learn a new skill or are at a loss at how to get to the next level on your own.  Teachers at local studios are usually most accessible and affordable, but you can also seek out lessons from professional dancers and exclusive private instructors.  Private teachers can challenge you and help you improve when your regular classes aren't doing it for you.  They are beneficial for the most advanced students in class, as well as beginners looking to advance. 

Self-practice requires discipline.  You must motivate yourself to practice, and it can be difficult if you have a busy schedule.  Sometimes just doing some barre exercises on the days you don't have class can keep you fresh and motivated.  You can find ballet class workout videos on YouTube if you need some direction, or you can make up combinations for yourself (super helpful for budding teachers).  Practicing alone is also very helpful if you have just learned a new skill.  Working it out without the pressure to move with the class can help you improve that skill and integrate it into your dancing.

I recommend that dance students with professional ambitions ages 14 and up make an effort to practice outside of class.  If price is an obstacle, practicing at home is a good option.  Find a dance class video on the internet and use a kitchen chair as a barre.  If you need a higher level of training than is offered in class, regular private lessons can help a lot, especially if the teacher is a pro or former pro who can offer tips to help you land your first company position.

I also recommend private lessons to dancers ages 8 and up who are beginners or behind for their ages and wish to advance quickly in order to join their age level's class.  There is a saying that goes "it takes 12 years to train a professional dancer."  This time frame can be substantially accelerated if the dancer is mature, serious, and takes  more classes per week than others of the same age or level.  Dedicated students who begin dancing as young teens can catch up with their dancing-since-age-three peers within a couple of years if they work hard in class and supplement with private lessons. 

7.       Diet: Whole Foods or Wal-Mart Supercenter

Healthy groceries for one person for one week cost around $60 at Whole Foods and around $40 at Wal-Mart Supercenter. 

Whole Foods carries a massive selection of healthy choices.  You can easily find staples as well as treats that are made with lots of natural  and limited "bad for you" ingredients.  At Wal-Mart, you can find many of the same products that are sold at Whole Foods, including organic produce, Naked Juice, Annie's snacks, and many others.  However, these choices are mixed in with unhealthy choices at Wal-Mart.  It takes more time and effort to do healthy shopping here.

In this case, I recommend doing your regular weekly shopping at Wal-Mart.  If you can schedule your grocery shopping at a slower time of day, it's totally worth it to spend the time to save the cash.  In cases when you need something quickly and don't have time to search for it, Whole Foods can be the better choice.